Green Island - A Paradise in Taiwan


Green Island, also known as Lyudao or Ludao, is a small island located off the east coast of Taiwan. Although it covers only 15 km2—definitely smaller than Toronto—travelers can enjoy a perfect getaway, whether they prefer exploring spectacular beaches or swimming alongside turtles and fish. Let's dive deep and explore more of Green Island, a true paradise in Taiwan!

Interesting Events - Diving

Clown fish when diving

Image: Tomato Clownfish by Vincent C. Chen (CC BY-SA 3.0). Full credits available on our Honesty Page.

Green Island is a fantastic place for diving! Do you want to swim with sea turtles and discover the world beneath the sea? This is the perfect choice! The world's largest small-pore coral formation attracts bannerfish, sea stars, and puffers. When you dive into this hidden underwater world, you can imagine yourself swimming like Nemo, gliding through the gorgeous coral palaces and playing with sea creatures.

Many people, including myself, earned their first scuba diving certification here. After five days of training, you can dive down to 18 meters and explore famous dive sites like Big Mushroom and Church. If you obtain an advanced diving certification, Dabaisha, Steel Reef, Chicken Reef, and Grand Canyon are waiting for you.

Traveling to a secluded island offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Diving into the sea takes that tranquility to another level. You will focus on your own breath, the sounds created by sea creatures, and the smooth water flow as it moves around your body.

Click the video below to experience more of Green Island's breathtaking underwater scenery.

Audio: Green Island Serenade by OCEAN IMPRESSIVE. Full credits available on our Honesty Page.

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Local Attractions

Zhaori Hot Spring

Sunrise on Green Island, Taiwan

Image: Sunrise on Green Island by fly3603539 (CC BY-SA 2.0). Full credits available on our Honesty Page.

Zhaori Hot Spring is a rare seawater hot spring with temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Celsius and crystal-clear water. Whether in the morning or afternoon, sitting in the hot spring and enjoying the breeze is a true luxury of life.

Since it is located on the east side of Green Island, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking sunrise while soaking in the hot spring—an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Additionally, visitors can use the hot spring to cook eggs and corn, making for a delicious and fun activity.

Click HERE to know more about Zhaori Hot Spring

Enjoy the beaches

Green Island, Taiwan

Image: Green Island Beach View by Chen Liang Dao (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0). Full credits available on our Honesty Page.

There are many beaches on Green Island. Dabaisha has the largest white sand beach on the island. Here, a long narrow bridge extends into the sea and gets submerged during high tide, allowing travelers to take stunning photos that make it look like they are standing on the water's surface.

You can also find some spectacular coastal rock formations. Sleeping Beauty Rock and Pug Dog Rock await you at Haicanping. Around Niutou Hill, Guanyin Cave is a notable sea cave in the area, and you can even take a boat to pass through it.

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Historical Information

Before you continue, click the play button below to listen to an old song, and discover a somber chapter in Taiwan's history.
Lyrics: "This green island is like a boat meandering through the moonlight..."

Green Island is home to the most famous prison in Taiwan, which is well known for detaining political prisoners during the White Terror period. The White Terror was a historical period that began with the 228 Incident on February 28, 1947, and lasted for the next 38 years. More than 140,000 Taiwanese were accused of opposing the Kuomintang (KMT), suspected of communism, or alleged to be Chinese communist spies. Around 20,000 prisoners were incarcerated in Green Island Prison, and some of them never left.

Shih Ming-teh was a prominent political prisoner during the White Terror. He was sentenced to life imprisonment twice, in 1962 and 1980. As a key leader of the opposition party Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), he played a significant role in promoting democracy, freedom, and civil rights in Taiwan during that period. Today, the Green Island White Terror Memorial Park serves as a reminder of this dark chapter in history, hoping that such events will never happen again anywhere in the world.

Sign of Shih Ming-teh in Green Island White Terror Memorial Park

Image: Sign of Shih Ming-teh in Green Island White Terror Memorial Park (PDM 1.0). Full credits available on our Honesty Page.

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How to Get There

  1. From Taipei to Taitung
    • Train: Taking a train is a common way to travel from Taipei (the capital) or Taoyuan (near the airport) to Taitung. The Puyuma Express offers a faster and smoother journey.
    • Flight: From Taipei Songshan Airport, you can take a direct flight to Taitung.
  2. From Taitung to Green Island
    • Ferry: The ferry from Taitung Fugang Fishing Harbor to Green Island Nanliao Harbor takes around 50 minutes. If you are not accustomed to traveling by boat, consider taking seasickness medication beforehand.
    • Flight: A flight from Taitung Airport to Green Island takes only 15 minutes. However, flights are frequently canceled due to unpredictable weather conditions.

Using Google Map to find more ways to Green Island


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Contact to Taiwan East Coast National Scenic Area office

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